They may be young, but they are the future of Kelso Hunterville and the future could still be right now as they prepare for their biggest game of the Senior competition at home on Saturday.

Back in the Top 4 with a big traffic jam behind them from fifth to seventh place, Hunterville (5-4) host the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield holders Utiku Old Boys (9-0), knowing a Shield win would go a long way to locking in a home quarterfinal, while a loss could mean a bit of a tumble back down the table.

“It’s a roller-coaster, eh? All club rugby’s a little bit like that now,” said coach Greg Parkes.

“It’s always a big challenge – Utiku and Hunterville – they have the edge on the competition at the moment, got some big forwards and I hear they’ve got some good backs.”

Crucially, Hunterville are home in their last two games, although to be fair neither opponent has an arduous journey to reach them – Utiku being followed on the 30 minute drive by Bennett’s Taihape (5-4), who were fourth place themselves until last weekend.

“That certainly helps – home’s always good, hopefully home advantage will help us,” said Parkes.

After winning an extraordinary nine championships from 2009-2021, Hunterville are now squarely in a rebuilding phase with a host of teenagers and other young men, assisted occasionally by the odd veteran from the golden era.

Parkes and assistant Ray McDougall started with a group of around 34, before injury and work commitments has them now settled on 25 regular players.

“It’s got a lot of local boys in the transition of university to permanent jobs - that makes it challenging,” said Parkes.

“There’s a natural attrition for the old going out, it’s affected Hunterville for a while now.”

Keeping the ship steady are the likes of captain Matthew Horton and goal-kicker Leigham Harding in the backline, while key up front is prop Jamie Brett – who scored the match-winning try in the 2021 Senior final.

Parkes is also looking to build the team around youngsters like No8 Tom Nichol and prop Sidney Diamond – a 2023 Whanganui Under 20’s squad member – as his team looks to have a big final two weeks before the quarterfinals.

“We’re pretty excited about Tom and Sidney and how they’re playing.

“Anything can happen. We’ll just ride the movement and hope it brings our way.”

By Jared Smith

Photo Credit Marton Rugby and Sports Club

Senior draw June 15th, 1pm kickoffs unless noted (times subject to change):

Ruapehu vs Border, Rochfort Park
Ratana vs Celtic, Ratana Pa
Counties vs Marton, Macnab Domain (2pm)
Hunterville vs Utiku, Hunterville Domain (2pm)
Taihape vs Pirates, Memorial Park
Knights vs Kaierau, Spriggens Park